Leaf plasticity contributes to plant anti-herbivore defenses and indicates selective foraging: Implications for sustainable grazing

More accurate determination of leaf plasticity induced by the legacy effect grazing and immediate ingestion can provide insights on growth–defense tradeoffs, are great importance to understanding valuable indicators for grassland management. Despite ecological traits, effectiveness as a key physical anti-herbivore trait that may signal disturbance has not yet been assessed. Here, we assessed angle related functional traits responses palatable Leymus chinensis less Carex korshinskyi five sheep intensities during early season. Grazing significantly increases angle, paralleled decrease in sizes both whole plants leaves, with stronger response L. than C. korshinskyi. Leaf size had higher positive lower negative allometric slopes plant compared This pattern reflects species relatively adaptability via stabilizing area defense responses. Structural equation modeling shows historical contributes more foraging current year plasticity, which is particularly evident The proportion positively correlated but korshinskyi, suggesting indicate selective foraging. Moreover, potentially influences net photosynthesis manifests unimodal curve across under balance between gross photosynthetic respiratory rates. Thus, demonstrate palatability-dependent intensities, thereby contributing defense. Our results highlight interaction traits. These findings show grazing-induced represents nexus mechanisms